Skip to main content
Top

The Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Kidney Development: is There an Epigenetic Link?

Published in:

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review explores the mechanisms through which gestational diabetes mellitus GDM impacts fetal kidney development, focusing on epigenetic alterations as mediators of these effects. We examine the influence of GDM on nephrogenesis and kidney maturation, exploring how hyperglycemia-induced intrauterine stress can reduce nephron endowment and compromise renal function via dysregulation of normal epigenetic mechanisms.

Recent Findings

In addition to metabolic impacts, emerging evidence suggests that GDM exerts its influence through epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, which disrupt gene expression patterns critical for kidney development. Recently, specific epigenetic modifications observed in offspring exposed to GDM were implicated in aberrant activation or repression of genes essential for kidney development. Key pathways influenced by these epigenetic changes, such as oxidative stress response, inflammatory regulation, and metabolic pathways, are discussed to illustrate the broad molecular impact of GDM on renal development. Finally, we consider potential intervention strategies that could mitigate the adverse effects of GDM on kidney development. These include optimizing maternal glycemic control, dietary modifications, dietary supplementation, and pharmacological agents targeting epigenetic pathways.

Summary

Through a comprehensive synthesis of current research, this review underscores the importance of early preventive strategies to reduce the burden of kidney disease in individuals exposed to GDM and highlights key epigenetic mechanisms altered during GDM that impact kidney development.
Title
The Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Kidney Development: is There an Epigenetic Link?
Author
Giovane G Tortelote
Publication date
01-12-2025
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Diabetes Reports / Issue 1/2025
Print ISSN: 1534-4827
Electronic ISSN: 1539-0829
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-024-01569-9
This content is only visible if you are logged in and have the appropriate permissions.

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on progress in colorectal cancer

  • Live
  • Webinar | 11-12-2025 | 18:00 (CET)

CRC remains a major global health burden, but advances in screening, treatment, and lifestyle-based prevention continue to reshape clinical practice. Gain insights into how the latest research can be leveraged to optimize patient care across the CRC continuum.

Watch it live: Thursday 11 December 2025, 18:00-19:30 (CET)

Prof. Antoni Castells
Prof. Edward Giovannucci
Prof. Harpreet Wasan
Join the webinar
Webinar

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on functional neurological disorder

FND perplexes and frustrates patients and physicians alike. Limited knowledge and insufficient awareness delays diagnosis and treatment, and many patients feel misunderstood and stigmatized. How can you recognize FND and what are the treatment options?

Prof. Mark Edwards
Watch now
Video
Image Credits
Colon cancer illustration/© (M) KATERYNA KON / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images, Human brain illustration/© (M) CHRISTOPH BURGSTEDT / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images